Top 3 Post-Surgical Signs of Infection

Having surgery is always risky because of the chance of contracting an infection and we will take every precaution to prevent this from happening so you can recover quickly.

Sometimes, despite all the safeguards, something happens that causes an infection following your surgery.

Main Signs that You Have an Infection

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Throbbing Pain - some pain and discomfort is expected after a surgery, because it's a traumatic episode for the affected area, however, If you experience shooting or throbbing pain, or if the pain that you have been feeling does not subside, it could be a sign that you have an infection.

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Discharge or oozing - If everything went well with the surgery and there were no complications, there should be no discharge or oozing from the site. The tenderness that you will feel after the anesthesia wears out is normal, but it should improve as the days go on. If it does not, let us know.

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Fever - you should not experience a fever after having surgery, so if you have a mild or high temperature, call us immediately.

Depending on what kind of surgery you are having, we may prescribe antibiotics or other pain medication to prevent an infection from happening. If you are taking your medication as prescribed and are feverish, we would like to see you. So, make sure you call the office.

To prevent infections, the pain medications prescribed should be taken right after the surgery as instructed by our doctor. While you wait to be seen, there are some things you can do to control the fever and relieve the pain.

An ice pack or a cold compress can help with the swelling and to cool down. In addition, keep taking your medications and drink lots of fluids along with getting proper rest. While an infection can be troublesome, it can usually be treated with the right medications, once the source is found.

If you have a compromised immune system, it is very important that you call us as soon as possible if there are any signs of infection.

Dr. Shillingburg and the amazing team at DFW Oral Surgeons are proud to provide exceptional care, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and many other services to residents in and around Argyle, Bartonville, Highland Village, Lantana, Double Oak, South Denton, Denton County, and surrounding areas. Not only has Dr. Shillingburg won best Oral Surgeon of Denton County in 2017 and 2018. He has over 10 years of experience treating patients in his state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center in Flower Mound, TX.

John C. Shillingburg, DDS

Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dr. John Shillingburg is proud to be a native Texan. After graduating from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science and from the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio with a doctorate degree in dental science, Dr. Shillingburg completed a general dentistry residency at Fort Carson in Colorado. Read more.

Our Office

is located in a beautiful new building right off of Long Prairie Road in Flower Mound, TX. With close parking and easy accessibility. Contact John C. Shillingburg, DDS, at our Flower Mound, TX 75028-1795 location. We are here for you. (972) 539-1491